OUR THOUGHTS

In doing our research on merchant groups throughout the country, we've found that many groups operate in tandem or outside of their local CDC because often they have different agendas or a task load too massive for one group to handle.

For instance, in Seattle, one neighborhood garden tour was organized by a volunteer group in lieu of the neighborhood development group. Collectively the volunteer group decided where or what they wanted the proceeds from the garden tour to support. A charity, a public art piece, neighborhood signing, a city garden, security cameras, parking issues, etc. The impact on their neighborhood was amazing. It brought the merchants together as each event focused on merchant initiated projects.

We believe our group should do the same.

Proceeds from an event like "Taste of Ohio City", could pay for beat cops or a recycling program. A cultural fair could promote public art or a cooking school. We believe the merchants should have their names on area achievements and a strong voice in city issues affecting their neighborhood.

There has been discussion for years that people should be able to walk from Market Avenue businesses to Fulton Avenue businesses. With all the new businesses on W.25th Street, as well as the growing businesses on Fulton Avenue, each year we attract more patrons and residents, yet it still isn't any safer to walk around. Each street operates independently. One of our ideas is to partner with CPP or First Energy to light the trees along Bridge Avenue from W. 25th to Fulton Ave. so pedestrians can walk the neighborhood.

Of course, security and other issues exist, but we as a group can address those issues. We can host events, look for donors and sponsorships, build a strong volunteer base, and accomplish task that affect our small businesses.

We will work along side OCNW to continue positive growth and development, but OCBI will focus specifically on small business needs in Ohio City. Along with creating a merchant voice, services to existing and new small businesses will be available at both free and discounted fees.
Services such as attorneys, accountants, graphic artists and web designers, contractors, business planners, grant writers, small business loan information, our "Angie's List" for small business growth and creation.

This group will have no hierarchy of power, no special treatment for individual businesses. Together merchants will create a list of causes and needs. Everyone contributes the same, everybody benefits.

What's your thoughts?